FACULTY & STUDENT RESOURCES
Environmental Courses
Environmental Science and Public Policy
Environmental Science and Public Policy 10. Environmental Science for Public Policy 6383
W. Clark Spring M, W 2:30-4:00
This course explores the role of science in shaping environmental policy. How can research become a more effective source of useful knowledge for managing interactions between nature and society? How should a democracy subject scientific advice to political control? How do scientists grapple with the stresses of discovering and communicating useful knowledge on highly politicized issues? The course explores such questions through in-depth case studies of environmental policy-making taught by faculty from across the university. Note: Intended for interested students from all concentrations.
Environmental Science and Public Policy 78. Environmental Politics 3613
S. Jasanoff Fall M, W, F 10:00
An introduction to the history, organization, goals, and ideals of
environmental protection in America. Examines the shift in emphasis from
nature protection to pollution control to sustainability over the 20th century
and develops critical tools to analyze changing conceptions of nature and the
role of science in environmental policy formulation. Of central interest is the
relationship between knowledge, uncertainty, and political or legal action.
Theoretical approaches are combined with case studies of major episodes and
controversies in environmental protection.
*Environmental Science and Public Policy 90a. Energy, Technology, and the Environment 2189
M. McElroy Fall T 1:00-4:00
The seminar will provide an account of the technologies that shape our
world with a perspective on how they evolved, the benefits that ensued and
the environmental challenges that arose as a consequence. Topics include
prospects for renewable energy and options to minimize damage from
conventional sources of energy. Specific attention is directed to challenges
faced by large developing economies emphasizing the need for a cooperative
approach to ensure an equable, environmentally sustainable, global future.
*Environmental Science and Public Policy 90c. Ecology and Land-Use Planning 3792
R.T.T. Forman Spring T 2:00–5:15, including a required one-week field study, and a one-day field study
Investigation of how local and regional human activities such as housing, agriculture, water supply, and natural resource use can be arranged in the landscape so that environmental processes are not disrupted and ecosystems are maintained for the long term. The focus is on learning and applying spatial and ecological principles to land-use planning with the intention of conserving regional biodiversity, maintaining water quality, and addressing other environmental issues.
*Environmental Science and Public Policy 90d. Status of Environmental Justice as a Public Policy Issue 5824
J. Hoyte Spring W 3:00–5:00
Examines the influences of race, socioeconomic status, and interest group politics in the formulation and implementation of U.S. federal and state environmental policy. Topics include the civil rights struggle and the environmental justice movement, role of race in environmental policy making, residential and occupational exposure patterns of environmental pollution, racial diversity in the environmental movement, socioeconomic factors shaping the research agenda for environmental affairs, facilities siting and community impacts, and lead contamination as an environmental justice issue.
*Environmental Science and Public Policy 90e. Conservation Biology 6879
Instructor TBA Spring TBA
The biological diversity of the planet is rapidly being depleted by human actions that reduce species to sizes where they become susceptible to extinction due to chance effects (environmental, demographic, and genetic stochasticity). Considers the use of genetics to minimize extinction risk, and deals with the extent of genetic diversity, the forces affecting it, and the effects of population size reduction on genetic diversity and reproductive fitness. Note: Local field trips within New England to be arranged.
*Environmental Science and Public Policy 90f. Global Change and Human Health 4434
J. McCarthy, P. Epstein Spring T 1:00–3:30
Global consequences of increasing human population and our consumption of natural resources include extensive changes in many natural ecosystems and in the composition of Earth’s atmosphere. In the last decade, geographic ranges of certain well known infectious diseases have expanded and new diseases have become threats to human health. This seminar explores hypothesized linkages between changes in ecosystems, climate, and the epidemiology of certain infectious diseases.
*Environmental Science and Public Policy 90j. Environmental Crises and Population Flight 9841
J. Leaning Fall T 2:00-4:00
War, disaster, drought, or famine force people to flee their land. The humanitarian consequences of this loss of place and livelihood are filled with complexity, relating to the extent and permanence of environmental destruction wrought by these crises, people’s attachment to their homes and ecosystems, the circumstances of departure, the destinations of refuge, and the possibilities for return. Issues will be examined through case studies and review of literature on forced migration and calamity.
[*Environmental Science and Public Policy 90m. Technological Approaches to Mitigation of Climate Change] 0545
D. Schrag, J. McCarthy Fall TBA
A variety of technological approaches have been proposed to mitigate the
risks posed by human-induced climate change. Prominent among these
are carbon sequestration mechanisms. In addition, the hydrogen fuel cell
might replace fossil fuels in distributed energy generation. In this seminar,
we explore these emerging technologies and consider the technological
limitations, the geological and ecological consequences, and the political and
economic implications. Note: Expected to be given in 2009-10.
Environmental Science and Public Policy 90-o. The Politics of Science and Environmental Policy 6377
Instructor TBA Spring W 2:00-5:00
The course will examine how the U.S. federal government funds and uses scientific and technical research. We will examine current debates on such issues as how much money should be spent on science and what kinds of science, how to keep the U.S. economically competitive, how universities and industry should interact, how energy policy should be established and implemented, and how science should be used in a variety of environmental debates. Science and non-science majors are encouraged to enroll.
*Environmental Science and Public Policy 91r. Supervised Reading and Research 1705
J. McCarthy, members of the Committee; Fall and Spring TBA
Supervised reading and research on topics not covered by regular courses of instruction. Students must complete a registration form, including permission from their faculty sponsor, with the concentration office before course enrollment. A final paper describing the research/reading completed during the term is due in duplicate to the Head Tutor on the first day of reading period. Note: Intended for junior and senior concentrators in Environmental Science and Public Policy; open to sophomore concentrators only under exceptional circumstances. Permission of the Head Tutor is required for enrollment. May be counted for concentration only with the special permission of the Head Tutor.
*Environmental Science and Public Policy 99r. Tutorial — Senior Year 5666
J. McCarthy, members of the Committee; Fall; repeated Spring TBA
Note: Senior honors candidates must take at least one term of this course (Fall or Spring) while writing a thesis. If taken for two terms, only one term can be counted toward meeting concentration requirements.
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